Arizona Cardinals quarterback depth chart is established

The 2017 season started for the Arizona Cardinals and the discussion was whether or not Blaine Gabbert could unseat Drew Stanton as the lead backup quarterback to Carson Palmer.

The problem was, there was never really a question to be had.

Drew Stanton was always the backup quarterback for Carson Palmer heading into 2017, that was not going to change barring injury to Stanton.

Gabbert’s position on the team was never really in question either, the Cardinals always like to have a young quarterback to give a year to see how he grasps the offense and performs in it.

With Carson Palmer getting every Wednesday during the season off, the Cardinals wanted to get a young quarterback work with the second team every week, hell maybe even reps with the first team.

Then the Hall of Fame Game happened and the conversation became can Stanton hold off Gabbert?

The answer was yes, and Stanton made it emphatically in the second preseason game.

Finishing the game 11-15 for 112 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown showed his ability to keep the play alive and make a throw into a tight window:

Gabbert came in and looked good. He has a nice understanding of the offense early, but you can see the difference in Stanton’s five plus years in Arians offense vs Gabbert’s five months.

Gabbert is making this roster, he just is not ready to overtake Drew Stanton. Frankly, that is okay.